Jordan Ford, a former chess star as a child, excelled for Dolomiti Energia Trento on his BKT EuroCup debut.

Former chess prodigy Jordan Ford looks to deliver a checkmate in the EuroCup

Celebrating a winning shot by shouting "checkmate" would be cold, but what if an actual chess player pulled that off? In this year's BKT EuroCup, somebody could turn that hypothesis into reality and he was actually close to it in Round 1.

Debuting in international competition with a 32-point effort and shooting 11 for 11 from two-point range against the 2022-23 champion, Dolomiti Energia Trento guard [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) left quite an impression in Gran Canaria.

What's even crazier is that the 26-year-old guard could have chosen a much different trajectory rather than spreading quickness and explosiveness on basketball courts. By second grade, he was already a two-time California State chess champion and ranked in the top 10 nationally for his age group.

Read more of this story [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1720397/jordan-ford-trento-bkt-eurocup-interview/).

Once a chess prodigy in California, Jordan Ford made everybody aware of his scoring ability on his BKT EuroCup debut

The EuroLeague is celebrating its 25th anniversary, with fans encouraged to join in the conversation with the #EuroLeague25 and #ONLY25 hashtags.

2024-25 season to mark the EuroLeague’s 25th anniversary

It was the year 2000 when the EuroLeague came to fruition. Later that year, on October 15, the first-ever game of the modern EuroLeague was played, with Real Madrid hosting Olympiacos Piraeus. After 24 seasons filled with endless iconic moments, the 2024-25 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague campaign marks a historic milestone as the league enters its 25th anniversary. 

This season will be a celebration of the EuroLeague's rich history, legendary moments, and exciting future, all while showcasing the best talent on the court. A season-long series of events will pay tribute to the legacy of the league and its clubs, honoring the players, coaches, and all those who have helped build the league into a global basketball powerhouse.

Throughout this landmark season, Euroleague Basketball will recognize the contributions of its entire family – from past and present players to coaches and fans. These celebrations will honor the pivotal moments that have shaped the league, while also looking ahead to the next 25 years of growth and success.

 “Since its inception, the EuroLeague has witnessed historic moments with the brightest stars of pan-European basketball. Now, it's time to recognize these achievements while looking ahead to the future. Our goal is to make this season truly memorable, staying true to our mission of bringing the most competitive basketball to millions of fans around the world,” stated Dejan Bodiroga, President of Euroleague Basketball.

To commemorate this special occasion, a unique 25th Anniversary logo has been unveiled. The design maintains the iconic orange-colored ball with the 'e' of the EuroLeague logo proudly emblazoned on it, representing the essence of the EuroLeague brand while integrating shapes that form the number "25". This modern design reflects the EuroLeague's storied history and its bright future, with the disjointed shapes symbolizing the ongoing evolution of the league. The logo also hints at an infinity symbol (∞), representing the endless excitement it continues to deliver to millions of fans worldwide.

The anniversary celebrations officially tipped off with the release of a short film titled "Where’s the Party?" — a comedic tribute featuring 29 active and former players and coaches. This is the first time such a large group of EuroLeague legends have come together to reflect on some of the most iconic moments in the league's history. Set at a fictional anniversary party, the film humorously portrays the EuroLeague’s top figures trying to attend the celebration, highlighting both legends of the game and current players who are poised to shape the future of the league.

Fans will also play a pivotal role in the celebrations by participating in the selection of the 25th Anniversary All-Time Team. Through exclusive content—videos, graphics, and more—fans can relive some of the EuroLeague’s most iconic moments under the hashtags #EuroLeague25 and #ONLY25.

The celebration will extend to the games as well, with select teams donning throwback jerseys that commemorate some of their most significant moments. These special jerseys will be worn during specific rounds of the season, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into the league’s storied past.

The 25th Anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the season with a series of events, initiatives, and programs aimed at celebrating players, fans, and their communities. The momentum will build until the grand finale at the Final Four, where Euroleague Basketball will continue to honor its past and embrace its future.

A Season-Long Tribute to the Past, Present, and Future

Bahcesehir College Istanbul center Tai Odiase sat down with Euroleague.net's Javier Gancedo to discuss how his third EuroCup season, Bahcesehir and much more.

Tai Odiase, Bahcesehir: 'We want to make the playoffs'

Bahcesehir College Istanbul started the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season with a bang, [downing Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 69-80 to win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2425-rs1-report-wol-bah/) in its return to the competition after a three-year break. Center [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/) was one of the pillars of Bahcesehir's balanced offense, finishing the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 5 fouls drawn for a team-high PIR of 20. 

Now in his third EuroCup season with as many teams, Odiase made his EuroCup debut with Germani Brescia Leonessa in 2022 before suiting up for Prometey Slobozhanske last season. He helped both teams reach the EuroCup Playoffs and believes that should be Bahcesehir's initial goal: challenging for a playoff spot, as he told Javier Gancedo in an interview for [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com). 

"Right now, we're just focused on making it in the top six. We want to make the playoffs and then go from there," Odiase said. "Personally, I don't look too far ahead. I try to take things one step at a time. So I think our main goal is to just make these playoffs and then make a run from there."

Tai Odiase finished the game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5 fouls drawn and a team-high PIR of 20. Bahcesehir College Istanbul beat Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 69-80 in Round 1.

Odiase led Bahcesehir to opening-round win

**Hello, Tai. Congratulations on beating Wolves in Vilnius. How important was it to get that first win right win in Bahcesehir's return to the competition?**

"Thanks. It's always good to get that first win of the season and start the season off right, heading in the right direction. We still have some things we need to work on defensively, but I think overall it was a good first game."

**You started the season in great shape, too. What did you do this summer to show up in such great physical condition?**

"I didn't stop playing basketball. So right after I left Prometey last season, which ended in about April, about a week after that, I went to Puerto Rico and played until the beginning of August. And then about a few days after that came the training camp in Istanbul. So I just kept playing all summer. I think some people might see that as a negative because I didn't really get any rest, but in my opinion, I think it was a positive because I just kept playing basketball. I stayed sharp instead of having to get into game shape again during preseason, so I just kept playing basketball."

**I am sure you had many offers in the offseason. Why did you choose Bahcesehir?**

"I wanted to play in a good \[international\] competition and also play in a good local league as well. You know, Prometey played the EuroCup last season but the local league wasn't as strong as the Turkish Basketball League. So that was one of the main factors, just playing good competitions all year round. And you have a great group of guys, a great coach, a great staff here. So that was one of the biggest factors leading to my decision."

"Having [Nemanja Bjelica] as a GM is a great thing because he played basketball and understands how we feel."

**You also have a lot of experienced players in the competition. How much of a good thing is that?**

"I think it's really good for us. We have Jaleen \[Smith\] and Ponitka, they have EuroLeague experience and we have a lot of EuroCup-experienced guys. I think that is going to help us, especially towards the end of the game when we have to make right decisions. Just having that experience can help us later in games and later in the season."

**Nemanja Bjelica retired from basketball is now your club's general manager. How great is it to have such a successful player running things off the court?**

"Having him as a GM is a great thing because he played basketball and understands how we feel, so he always tries to relate to us from a player-to-player standpoint. And that helps us get acclimated to the team and be comfortable and just only worry about basketball."

**Bahcesehir is a very special club, with schools and colleges everywhere and loads of students at the games. How much are you looking forward to that?**

"I'm looking forward to it a lot because last year we didn't have this situation with the team. We didn't have our fan base, so I didn't get to enjoy having that. But this year we get to enjoy the fan base, having the college behind us. And it should be a lot of fun. I'm very excited for it. We play in a big arena. I hope they fill it up."

"Playing against Besiktas should be fun, having them also in Istanbul should bring out a lot of people... a great, exciting atmosphere."

**Your next opponent is Besiktas. Both teams won in Round 1 and are based in the same city. Is that something you looked forward when you signed for a Turkish team, the derbies?**

"I wasn't really thinking about the derbies per se. I just wanted to be on a team that was good, so we could win a lot of games. But playing against Besiktas should be fun, having them also in Istanbul should bring out a lot of people, bring out the crowd. This should be a great, exciting atmosphere, and I think we will do everything we need to prepare to hopefully win that game."

**Are you in touch with your former Prometey teammates?**

"I talk to each of them from time to time. Ondrej Balvin recently wished me a happy birthday and I wished him the same because he had his birthday shortly after mine. So yeah, I talked to them from time to time. We keep up with each other. I think the chemistry was even stronger because, of the situation. Everybody was in Riga where they were not at home, in their hometown or home country of Ukraine. So I think the chemistry was a lot stronger because we had to deal with things that normal teams don't really have to deal with, playing at an Olympic center all year, where other teams are using the same things and other kids are working out, so we had to work around schedules and just certain things. Waking up at five in the morning for the travel so we could travel on time, and a lot of things that teams don't really deal with. So I think the chemistry was even stronger based on that."

**Have you had time to go around Istanbul and taste some of the great food there?**

"I haven't had much Turkish food. I have been to a lot of restaurants, but not Turkish food. My favorite restaurant so far has been Zuma. There are a lot of malls here, it's actually very overwhelming because I live in Chicago and I figure that's one of the biggest cities. But coming to a city that's similar in size is crazy. So I didn't have the time to really explore. We got here, went to training camp straight away for a couple of weeks, and we have been traveling and playing games. But anytime I have a free day, we try to go around Istanbul, whether it's to a mall or somewhere where the kids will enjoy and just look around. But I have, what, eight-nine more months to explore. So I think by the end of the season, I'll have had my fair share of looking around and traveling around Istanbul."

**The season just started. What can we expect from Bahcesehir going forward? What would be a satisfactory result for you?**

"Right now, we're just focused on making it in the top six. We want to make the playoffs and then go from there. Personally, I don't look too far ahead. I try to take things one step at a time. So I think our main goal is to just make these playoffs and then make a run from there. Like you said, we have a great group of guys with a lot of experience, so I think that alone will take us where we need to be."

More Bahcesehir News

Tai Odiase in action for Bahcesehir College Istanbul against Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

The 29-year-old is dreaming big after a strong Round 1 performance

Frankie Sachs has made his five recommendations for Round 2 of the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Is there anyone he is missing?

EuroCup Fantasy Challenge: Must-have players in Round 2

With each game that passes, there is more data to digest in the quest to build the perfect EuroCup Fantasy Challenge team. Here are five players you should consider to maximize their value entering Round 2.

### Anthony Cowan, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius – 11.9 credits

The 27-year-old point guard seems to be in the perfect spot to shine. [Anthony Cowan](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/anthony-cowan-jr/012003/) has been Wolves’ top scorer this season with the bonus of effective shooting, getting to the line and compiling assists. He went for 20 points and 4 assists for a PIR of 23 in Round 1 against Bahcesehir College Istanbul and followed that up with 20 points and 6 assists against EuroCup side 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys over the weekend in the Lithuanian League. He made 6-of-13 threes (46.2%) and 14-of-16 free throws (87.5%) in those games. In what should be an uptempo game against Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv, Cowan has great value.

Anthony Cowan had 20 points in Wolves' Round 1 game against Bahcesehir College Istanbul in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Cowan's highlights vs. Bahcesehir

### Justinian Jessup, ratiopharm Ulm – 9.4 credits

[Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/) did it all for Ulm against Trefl Sopot in Round 1. He netted 6 three-pointers, led the team with 20 points, collected 6 rebounds and made the game-winning shot. He also played a game-high 39:55 minutes, so it is clear that coach Ty Harrelson is counting on his sweet-shooting small forward. Moreover, Jessup is leading Ulm in scoring (17.5 ppg.) and PIR (20) in the German League, too. Against a tough Joventut Badalona squad this week, Ulm will look to Jessup again.

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### Mfiondu Kabengele, Umana Reyer Venice – 12.6 credits

There are several strong options at center and [Mfiondu Kabengele](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/mfiondu-tshimanga-kabengele/012796/) is not among the cheaper ones, but his rebounding prowess gives him such a high floor that it can’t be overlooked. The Canadian big man contributed 13 points and 9 boards for a PIR of 17 on opening night against Aris Midea Thessaloniki. He then erupted for 17 points and 21 rebounds – posting a PIR of 40 – in the Italian League over the weekend. With those numbers under his belt, Kabengele becomes a very intriguing option.

Mfiondu Kabengele had 13 points and 9 rebounds against Aris Midea Thessaloniki in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Kabengele's highlights vs. Aris

### Zavier Simpson, U-BT Cluj-Napoca – 13.2 credits

If there were any questions about how [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) would adjust to European basketball, he put them to bed in Round 1 with a monster line – 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists – against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. Simpson has an impressive resume and displayed his vast array of skills from the start. Any time you have a triple-double threat, he is going to be a valuable player since he will be able to contribute in many ways. Simpson is not a cheap player, but if he becomes a EuroCup star, you may want to grab him before he gets too pricey.

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border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAUIzN1tDdS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Zavier Simpson (@nfl_xaviersimpson3)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Ben Saraf, ratiopharm Ulm – 7.4 credits

It is unusual to list two players on the same team, but the truth is we could easily have had three from Ulm. [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/), 17, was the most valuable player in fantasy last week with 28.6 fantasy points (18 points and 6 rebounds) for just 5.4 credits. His price has jumped this week, as has [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/)’s. The Israeli point guard had 17 points and 10 assists for a PIR of 17 in Round 1. The two teenagers are bound to have their ups and downs, but for their current values and playing on Turn 1, they are both wise additions.

Anthony Cowan in action for Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Let’s take a look at some undervalued players to consider this week

Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv v Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (2024-10-01T17:45:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm v Joventut Badalona (2024-10-01T17:00:00.000Z)

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana v Umana Reyer Venice (2024-10-01T18:00:00.000Z)

Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse v U-BT Cluj-Napoca (2024-10-02T17:30:00.000Z)

The second round of the 2024-25 EuroCup season is here, with drama guaranteed in several key clashes.

At a glance: Plenty of heavyweight battles await in Round 2

Round 2 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season will see last week's winners attempt to defend their perfect records, including an exciting Istanbul derby. Here's your overview of the upcoming action.

## Tuesday, October 1

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (18:00 CEST)

A first win is up for grabs as two of last week’s losers meet. Lietkabelis needs to improve offensively after managing just 66 points in the loss at Turk Telekom, and starting center [Gabrielius Maldunas](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/gabrielius-maldunas/010461/) will be particularly keen to find his radar after scoring 0 points in that game. The Lithuanian team did grab 14 offensive rebounds in the loss so will look for more dominance in the paint to overcome a Hapoel Jerusalem team which also struggled to score last week, managing just 64 points against Valencia. [Jared Harper](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jared-harper/011970/) accounted for 27 of those, but he needs more help this time around.

<center>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAiI0OKsxpO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAiI0OKsxpO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAiI0OKsxpO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by BC „7bet-Lietkabelis” (@bclietkabelis)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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### Bahcesehir College Istanbul vs. Besiktas Fibabank Istanbul (18:00 CEST)

An all-Istanbul showdown will see Bahcesehir welcome Besitkas, with both teams in a confident mood after starting the season on a winning path. The first-ever EuroCup meeting between the teams could be a high-scoring encounter after Besiktas poured in 94 points last week against Buducnost, paced by playmaker [Derek Needham](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/derek-needham/008945/) pairing 18 points with 6 assists. The host only allowed 69 points to overcome Wolves, and Bahcesehir will again look to control the pace of the game through big man [Tai Odiase](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/tai-odiase/011823/), who had impressive numbers of 14 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in the season opening win.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Odiase vs Terry

### ratiopharm Ulm vs. Joventut Badalona (19:00 CEST)

An intriguing matchup will see last week’s two narrowest winners go head-to-head as Ulm welcomes Joventut. The German team started its campaign by overcoming Trefl in overtime behind the all-action [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/), who played for nearly 40 minutes in the process of registering 20 points – including 6 three-pointers – and 6 rebounds. Ulm also had a great debut from teenager [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/), with 17 points and 10 assists, and his matchup with Joventut veteran [Guillem Vives](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/guillem-vives/002361/) could be crucial. The Spanish team just edged out Hapoel Tel Aviv last week as [Ante Tomic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ante-tomic/002507/) shined with 17 points and 12 boards, and Ulm must find a way to control Tomic’s influence.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Saraf-Dotson

### Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv vs. Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius (19:45 CEST)

After starting the season with losses, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Wolves will be fighting hard for a first victory at Samokov Arena in Bulgaria. Hapoel Tel Aviv’s powerfully reloaded roster slipped to defeat at Joventut last week largely due to poor shooting from three-point range (25.7%) and the foul line (53.3%), so will look for better accuracy from shooters like [Patrick Beverley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/patrick-beverley/001927/) and [Joe Ragland](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/joe-ragland/005181/), who went a combined 6 of 23 from the field last week. Wolves will hope for a similar upturn from [Andrew Andrews](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/andrew-andrews/011248/), who made just 3 of his 10 shots in the season opening loss at home to Bahcesehir.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Beverley-Cowan

### Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana vs. Umana Reyer Venice (20:00 CEST)

An offensive showdown awaits as Cedevita hosts Reyer, with both teams exceeding 90 points to start the season with a bang last week. Cedevita’s win over Cluj owed a lot to new guard [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/), who made an instant impact on both sides of the ball with 15 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, while [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/) showed his ability to dominate inside by scoring 8 two-pointers in his 20-point haul. Reyer’s hopes of overcoming that multifaceted offense will be powered by veteran forward [Jordan Parks](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-parks/011909/), who paired 17 points with 7 rebounds to help beat Aris last week.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2 Head-to-Head: Robinson-Parks

## Wednesday, October 2

### Aris Midea Thessaloniki vs. Turk Telekom Ankara (19:00 CEST)

After starting the season with a 20-point mauling against Reyer, Aris will attempt to respond against a Turk Telekom team which leaned on strong defense to overcome Lietkabelis. Aris needs to focus on taking better care of the basketball after recording more turnovers (17) than assists (14) in Round 1, negating a solid debut from forward [Landers Nolley](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/landers-nolley/013249/) (14 points on 4-of-6 three-point shooting). Turk Telekom also enjoyed a strong first game from [Anthony Brown](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/anthony-brown/009025/), who bagged a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, and that all-American duel could be crucial on Wednesday.

2024-25 BKT EuroCup | Round 2  Head-to-Head: Toliopoulos-Heidegger

### Buducnost VOLI Podgorica vs. Dreamland Gran Canaria (19:00 CEST)

Powerhouse Gran Canaria will aim to go 2-0 with a trip to Buducnost, which suffered an 18-point thrashing against Besiktas last week. Gran Canaria benefitted from a strong debut by [Mike Tobey](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/mike-tobey/008966/), with 20 points and 8 boards, to overcome Trento, and will look to him and [John Shurna](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/john-shurna/006588/) to control the paint. Buducnost will continue to be powered by the do-everything [Rasheed Sulaimon](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/rasheed-sulaimon/011150/) – 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in Round 1 – but needs to tighten up defensively after allowing Besiktas to convert 60.5% of its two-point shots, which cannot be repeated against Tobey, Shurna and co. on Wednesday.

### Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse vs. U-BT Cluj-Napoca (19:30 CEST)

After starting the season in stunning fashion with a 100-points haul in Hamburg, last season’s runner-up Bourg will attempt to inflict a second straight loss on Cluj. Newcomer [Adrian Nelson ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/adrian-nelson/013264/)led the French team’s rout in Round 1 by scoring 18 points, while [Xavier Castaneda](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/xavier-castaneda/013266/) also excelled on debut by hitting 4 triples to suggest Bourg will be a major threat again this season. Cluj also had a player enjoy a great debut as [Zavier Simpson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/zavier-simpson/013302/) flirted with a triple-double (16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists), but defensive improvement is badly needed after allowing Cedevita to score 93 points and now facing another offensive juggernaut.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">Keep movin&#39; 💥<br><br>➡️Prochain match le 2/10 à Ekinox<br>🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/UBTCluj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UBTCluj</a> <br>🎟️ <a href="https://t.co/rffpvWk70V">https://t.co/rffpvWk70V</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeRedy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeRedy</a> <a href="https://t.co/R6DczJ8CF6">pic.twitter.com/R6DczJ8CF6</a></p>&mdash; JL Bourg Basket (@JLBourgBasket) <a href="https://twitter.com/JLBourgBasket/status/1840476137883078982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Trefl Sopot (20:00 CEST)

Two teams aiming to bounce back from unlucky defeats go face to face as Trento hosts Trefl. A remarkable performance from [Jordan Ford](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jordan-ford/013270/) – 32 points on 14-of-15 shooting from the field – was not quite enough for Trento to take victory at Gran Canaria last week, and Paolo Galbiati will expect his team to show better decision-making after committing 17 turnovers in that game. Trefl came even closer to victory but was edged out by Ulm in overtime, and the Polish team will hope that big man [Geoffrey Groselle](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/geoffrey-groselle/013296/) can again dominate the paint after recording a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards.

<center>
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### Valencia Basket vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (20:30 CEST)

After starting out with a road win at Hapoel Jerusalem, a strong-looking Valencia will aim to protect its home court against a visiting Hamburg team which must focus on defensive improvement after allowing 100 points against Bourg. Center [Benedikt Tuduric](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/benedikt-turudic/006006/) impressed in that game, scoring 19 points without a miss and grabbing 4 offensive rebounds, but he faces a tough night in the paint against Valencia’s [Matt Costello](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/matthew-costello/010444/) and [Nate Sestina](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/nathan-sestina/011980/), who combined for 26 points and 10 rebounds to help give their team a winning start. Indeed, Valencia grabbed a remarkable 52 rebounds last week, so competing on the boards is Hamburg’s minimum requirement.

Which teams can maintain their 100% record, or which sides can get back on track after an opening-round defeat?

Valencia Basket v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-10-02T18:30:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Trefl Sopot (2024-10-02T18:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki v Turk Telekom Ankara (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

Buducnost VOLI Podgorica v Dreamland Gran Canaria (2024-10-02T17:00:00.000Z)

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

Bahcesehir College Istanbul v Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul (2024-10-01T16:00:00.000Z)

It might be just one win in the opening game of the season, but it felt a lot more than just that for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on Wednesday night after an 86-93 road win at U-BT Cluj-Napoca.

Cedevita Olimpija showed why it can 'start believing'

It might be just one win in the opening game of the season, but it felt a lot more than just that for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana on Wednesday night.

On the road against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, a team which was 7-2 at BTarena during last year's regular season and reached the quarterfinals, Cedevita stunned the home crowd and came away with [a very impressive 86-93 road win](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/cedevita-olimpija-rallies-to-stun-cluj-in-a-thriller/).

"We were not too optimistic," admitted Cedevita head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic afterward when asked how he was feeling prior to the game.

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana refused to fold in 4th quarter, and went on a 8-22 run to prevail against U-BT Cluj-Napoca, 86-93, in the opening round of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Cedevita refused to fold in 4th quarter

He had good reason to have some doubts entering Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season, too. 

Just three days earlier, Cedevita scored just 62 points in a 13-point loss in a domestic league road game against lowly FMP Zeleznik, a contest that also saw a 22-year-old center [Ziga Daneu](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/ziga-daneu/009431/) suffer a scary injury that shocked the team.

Then, there are the club's EuroCup ghosts of recent past.

Cedevita won just one game in the entirety of last season. It took until Round 16, against Veolia Hamburg Towers, for the Slovenian side to taste victory, meaning it had started the 2023-24 campaign with a painful 0-15 record. That triumph actually ended a 20-game losing streak in the EuroCup because Cedevita had lost its last five games of the 2022-23 season as well.

<center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Prva tekma v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> v novi sezoni!<br><br>Prva zmaga v <a href="https://twitter.com/EuroCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuroCup</a> v novi sezoni!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ZmajevaDruzina?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ZmajevaDruzina</a> <a href="https://t.co/xwvoUnla47">pic.twitter.com/xwvoUnla47</a></p>&mdash; Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (@KKCedOL) <a href="https://twitter.com/KKCedOL/status/1839016795505651729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So, despite posting a 4-32 record over the last two seasons, Cedevita got its 2024-25 campaign to a flying start, beating last year's quarterfinalists on the road.

The scoring leader with 20 points in the opening game was [Devin Robinson](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devin-robinson/012042/), while [DJ Stewart](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/dj-stewart/012700/) had 13. Stewart, along with [Jaka Blazic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/jaka-blazic/003452/), was with the team through all the lows of the last season. But the rest of the roster, the newcomers led by Robinson, showed that those ghosts of the past are none of their business.

They did not fold when Cluj went on a 14-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to turn a 64-71 deficit into a 78-71 lead, and the visitors did not shy away from the moment when Cluj went up by a point in the final minute.

[Brynton Lemar](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/brynton-lemar/013261/) netted 18 points on 4-or-7 three-point shooting, including one with a hand in his face 52 seconds before the final buzzer, to give Cedevita the lead for good. [Devante Jones](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/devante-jones/013260/) scored 15 points to go with 7 assists and 4 steals, and his triple with 13 seconds left sealed the win. Meanwhile, [Aleksej Nikolic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/aleksej-nikolic/003703/) was 4 for 6 from downtown en route to 14 points, and his 3 threes helped Cedevita overcome a slow start and erase a slow deficit in the first half.

"We are happy for the win," said Mitrovic. "And especially for the team, which needs to start believing it can play at a high level."

Game Videos

Mitrovic, a EuroCup champ with AS Monaco just three years ago, took over Cedevita during the summer and might not feel the burden of the last two seasons, but even he acknowledged that this outcome meant a little more to this club.

"It was very important for our team to start with a victory," he commented.

Now, the next challenge is to win at home. Cedevita was 0-9 on its home floor last season and has lost 11 home games in a row in the EuroCup. The last team it beat at home, in February 2023, was Umana Reyer Venice, which just happens to be Cedevita's next opponent on Tuesday night.

Game News

Devin Robinson of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has possession against U-BT Cluj-Napoca in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

After registering just one victory last season, the Slovenian side has already matched that total after the opening round in 2024-25

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-09-25T16:00:00.000Z)

Look back at all the action in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season by checking out the best photos of the week! 

Top 10 photos from Round 1

ratiopharm Ulm young duo Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue both shined bright in Round 1 of the 2024-25 EuroCup season.

Ben Saraf, Noa Essengue combo lives up to hype in EuroCup opener

ratiopharm Ulm came into this season with plenty of hype thanks to two star prospects in [Ben Saraf](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/) and [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/). And the teenagers definitely didn’t disappoint as they carried the German club to an overtime win to start the BKT EuroCup campaign.

Saraf dazzled over major stretches on his EuroCup debut with 17 points and 10 assists in [Ulm’s 93-96 victory over Trefl Sopot](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/ec2425-rs1-report-tso-ulm/), while Essengue totaled 18 points.

“Really proud of our guys,” said Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson. “Again with the young roster, I can’t say enough about our character to stay in there when we got down by 12 points to fight back and not lose energy.”

Noa Essengue and Ben Saraf both shined as ratiopharm Ulm beat Trefl Sopot in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

The top plays of Essengue, Saraf vs. Trefl

The 18-year-old Saraf and 17-year-old Essengue, who will turn 18 in December, really took over the game in the fourth quarter with the team down 70-60 and under 7 minutes to go.

Saraf scored Ulm’s next seven points, then assisted on two Essengue dunks before knocking down a jumper and putting back an offensive rebound to tie the game at 79-79 in the closing minute of regulation.

Saraf fed Essengue for an alley-oop and a three-pointer early in overtime, then Essengue added another free throw as the teenagers shined in the opening game of Ulm’s EuroCup season.

The Israeli guard also had 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 7 fouls drawn for a PIR of 17. Essengue, who was playing in his eighth EuroCup game, added 6 rebounds and 2 blocks for a PIR of 26.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Auftaktsieg im Eurocup 🚀❤️‍🔥<br>Wir kämpfen bis zur letzten Minute und belohnen uns nach der Overtime auch international mit dem ersten Sieg.<br><br>𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗥:<br>Justinian Jessup | 20 PKT, 6 REB, 1 STL<br>Noa Essengue | 18 PKT, 6 REB, 2 AST<br>Ben Saraf | 17 PKT, 10 AST, 3 STL <a href="https://t.co/JJfqwiz43s">pic.twitter.com/JJfqwiz43s</a></p>&mdash; ratiopharm ulm (@ratiopharmulm) <a href="https://twitter.com/ratiopharmulm/status/1839027461193085245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On top of that, the teenage duo combined for 36 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals in Ulm’s German League opener – an 86-90 win over NINERS Chemnitz, a team which won the FIBA Europe Cup last season.

Ulm has built a reputation of bringing in young players and giving them chances to shine. It started in earnest in 2019-20 when French talent [Killian Hayes](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/killian-hayes/009661/) was given the keys to the offense as an 18-year-old. Montenegro prospect [Fedor Zugic](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/fedor-zugic/009033/) arrived later, followed by Spanish star point guard [Juan Nunez](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/juan-nunez/010106/) and another French talent in [Pacome Dadiet](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/eurocup/players/pacome-dadiet/011457/).

Essengue became the latest star from France to move to Ulm before last season and he was fantastic in the lower and youth ranks in his first season in Germany. He starred for Ulm’s affiliate team in the third division, ProB, carrying the club to the semifinals of the playoffs. Essengue also [led Ulm to the title at the Euroleague Basketball Adidas Next Generation Tournament Dubai, winning the Most Valuable Player award](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/ngt/news/herculean-effort-earns-noa-essengue-mvp-for-ulm/) and helping Ulm become the first German club to win an ANGT qualifying event.

2023-24 EB ANGT Dubai MVP Highlights: Noa Essengue, U18 ratioopharm Ulm

Last season saw Essengue make seven EuroCup appearances for Ulm, as well as nine games in Germany’s top flight. He totaled 19 points in the EuroCup last season and poured in 18 points against Trefl.

Saraf, meanwhile, had a monster summer this off-season, winning MVP of the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2024, where Israel took fourth place. During that tournament, he averaged 28.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

He is not new to professional basketball, however, as he played a major role in Maccabi Kiryat Ata getting to the semifinals of the Israeli League last season. He posted 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steal in 26 regular-season games and then collected 11.3 points, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in the semifinals against EuroCup side Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv. All that earned Saraf the honor of being the league’s breakout player of the season.

Ulm will likely have to face its ups and downs as Harrelson and the team deal with the highs and lows of having youngsters being leading players, but in Saraf and Essengue, they have two players who are destined for the very top and are ready to make a big impact right away.

Ben Saraf of ratiopharm Ulm looks to score against Trefl Sopot in Round 1 of the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season.

Ulm's two prodigies both displayed their elite potential on the road at Trefl

Trefl Sopot v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-09-25T17:00:00.000Z)

EuroCup opponents Besiktas and Hapoel Tel Aviv BC will now face each other in Belgrade on October 8, rather than in Istanbul on October 9.

Round 3 matchup between Besiktas and Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv relocated

The BKT EuroCup Round 3 game between [Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/besiktas-fibabanka-istanbul/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22bes%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Besiktas%20Fibabanka%20Istanbul) and [Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/news/carousels/hapoel-shlomo-tel-aviv/?q=%7B%22articleId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22categoryId%22%3A%22%22%2C%22linkedId%22%3A%7B%22sourceSystem%22%3A%22FS_BASKETBALL_TEAM%22%2C%22sourceSystemId%22%3A%22hta%22%2C%22text%22%3A%22%22%7D%7D&carouselTitle=Hapoel%20Shlomo%20Tel%20Aviv) will be played at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia. The game will be played on Tuesday, October 8 at 20:00 local time instead of Wednesday 9.

This decision has been taken considering recommendations from the Turkish and Israeli governments.

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-10-09T17:00:00.000Z)